Birru Goshu Explained

Dejazmach Birru Goshu
Reign:???-1854
Predecessor:Goshu Zewde
Successor:Tedla Gwalu
Birth Date:~1814
Succession:Governor of much of Gojjam
Spouse:Woizero Yawubdar
Father:Dejazmach Goshu Zewde
Religion:Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo

Dejazmach Birru Goshu (1814-1868?) of Gojjam was a nobleman of 19th century Ethiopia during the Zemene Mesafint. He was the governor of most of Gojjam until his defeat in battle of Amba Jebelli against Kassa Hailu. He was a bastard of mighty Goshu Zewde.

Appearance and personality

The French traveler Arnaud d'Abbadie gives a long description of the appearance and character of Birru Goshu:[1]

Captivity

However, historian Harold G. Marcus states that in the battle of Amba Jebelli Kassa defeated five Dejazmachs, and that Birru was not killed in this battle, but escaped and was captured in May 1854, to remain in captivity for the next 14 years.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Book: d'Abbadie, Arnaud. Douze ans de séjour dans la Haute-Éthiopie. Hachette. 1868. 333.
  2. Marcus, Harold G. (1995). The Life and Times of Menelik II: Ethiopia 1844-1913. Lawrenceville: Red Sea Press. .